Here is a tip for keeping a heavy gauge ring together while soldering - use stainless steel binding wire! Simply wrap it around and then use a pair of pliers to twist closed. I personally like 20-24 gauge binding wire but you can find uses for all... more
How do you sign your work? I have been searching for some different options for a custom stamp to mark my jewelry and was super excited when jeweler @mollyavellarjewelry told me all about hers from @infinitystampsinc (this sounds like an ad 😂 but I... more
@sunlightsilver post got me thinking about my @foredomelectric flexshaft and curious what everyone else’s favorite mandrels are? I’ve been using the @3m radial polishing discs since I was in college ten years ago! Next time you’re at your bench take... more
Thanks for sharing this helpful tip for soldering earring posts @seattlefindings - “When soldering an ear post, make sure to make a notch where your post will sit. It makes a stronger and straighter joint. We like doing this by hand, with a drill bit... more
Talented jeweler @nadinekieftjewelry shared her favorite attachment for her flexshaft. It’s a diamond drill bill that she uses to carve metal! Her gorgeous earrings (in the last pic) were carved not in wax but in metal. 😍 Thanks so much for sharing... more
Clogged files got you down? @andrewberryuk has your solution- “Push the straight edge of a piece of copper parallel across the teeth. This will easily remove the clogged up material and prolong the life of your file.” #metalsmithsociety... more
If you drink champagne start saving those corks! Thanks for the lovely tip @fwatsondesigns - “Use champagne corks as file handles! Their fat rounded tops fit perfectly into the heel of my palm, allowing my hand to adopt a natural, relaxed curve as I... more
Confession time 😬 when I grind down gold pieces I don’t attempt to save the dust. I literally blow it off my bench pin like I’m blowing out a birthday candle. 🙊 One of my college professors always told us to collect filings on a clean piece of black... more
If you work in wax and are looking for a new tool to invest in you can’t go wrong with this bur. Thanks @songan_jewelry for sharing one of your favorite tools - “This tool is from my massive 2/32 bur collection, its an aggressive crosscut 2mm cylinder... more
Here is a recipe to keep your tumbler clean and happy: run your tumbler with a 50/50 mix of distilled vinegar and water for 20 minutes. Rinse, then follow up with 1 tbsp baking soda and enough water to cover the shots for another twenty minutes. A... more
